Daily Manufacturing News Digest – the industry stories you should be aware of today

Posted on 26 Feb 2026 by The Manufacturer

Each day The Manufacturer compiles the top manufacturing news stories from around the web and compiles them into this daily digest to make your life a little easier. Don’t forget to bookmark this page and check back daily for all the latest manufacturing news.

Aircraft orders surge 71% in January as aerospace demand rebounds

Commercial aircraft orders jumped sharply at the start of 2026, signalling renewed confidence in the aerospace market as airlines continue to prioritise short-haul capacity and manufacturers work through a record backlog. Read more via The Manufacturer

Babcock hits back-to-back milestones in Type 31 frigate programme

Two major milestones in the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate programme were marked this week at Babcock International’s Rosyth facility in Scotland, highlighting progress on the UK’s next-generation warship fleet. Read more via The Manufacturer

Suntory unveils new £25m manufacturing line at Coleford facility

Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain & Ireland (SBF GB&I), the maker of Lucozade and Ribena, has announced a £25m investment in a new manufacturing line at its Coleford factory. Read more via The Manufacturer

British mattress manufacturer seeks to tackle farmers being paid ‘mere pennies’ for fleece

A UK manufacturer is highlighting the economic pressures facing sheep farmers and the growing demand for transparency across UK supply chains, as it unveils an updated mattress collection using 100% British fleece that can be traced directly from bale to bedroom. Read more via The Manufacturer

British Engines Group acquires 42 Technology to accelerate growth and expand innovation capabilities

Independent engineering group, British Engines Group, has acquired product development and manufacturing innovation consultancy, 42 Technology (42T). Read more via The Manufacturer